Milwaukee Public Schools’ students and teachers across the district are building vocabulary, conducting read-alouds and writing stories. Children at 95st Street School love reading so much they use their time waiting in line to read.

Students at Samuel Clemons Elementary School regularly read with their principal (left) as part of their classroom routine.

Their efforts are examples of the impact of the district’s new Comprehensive Literacy Plan (CLP) on students in kindergarten through grade 8.

More than 3,300 teachers were provided training, and more than 43,000 new textbooks were purchased, inventoried and distributed as part of the effort.

Now MPS and its partner, Interfaith Older Adult Programs Inc., are putting out the call for volunteers to act as reading tutors in 16 schools across the city.

“We are looking for caring adults who will read with children or simply listen to students read aloud,” said MPS Superintendent Gregory E. Thornton. “We see great opportunity to increase a child’s reading skills with the simple gift of time from a thoughtful adult.”

Interfaith’s involvement is due, in part, to its pursuit and receipt of grant money made available as part of the Edward Kennedy Serve America Act. The funding allows Interfaith the capacity to create a tutor program for MPS as a focus of the RSVP program for adults over the age of 55.

“We are excited to provide this opportunity for individuals 55 and over to help students succeed,” said Samantha Garrett, RSVP Tutor Program Coordinator. “Our experience tells us not only does the students’ academic performance improve, but the volunteers benefit as well.”

“Now is the time to get involved,” said Superintendent Thornton. “I cannot think of a better way to invest in your community. A little effort will go a long way to helping children succeed.”

Interested adults can find more information online, over the phone, or through an e-mail.